Process for recovering lead from discarded batteries

ABSTRACT

A process is disclosed for recovering lead from discarded storage batteries which have been crushed or ground to obtain a particulate scrap, wherein the lead is separated from non-metallic components, which are mainly plastics and suchlike from the battery casings and separators, in a hyrocyclone having a relatively large top angle of the conical part and using water as the separating medium. A scrap-water mixture is fed to the hydrocyclone and a predominantly lead-containing portion is discharged from the apex area of the hydrocyclone, while a predominantly non-metal containing portion is discharged from the overflow area of the cyclone. The water is drained from the separated portions and recycled; part of the recycled water is cleaned in a second hydrocyclone.



